Houston publicly professed his interest in a congressional bid last week although his name has been on everyone’s lips for months along with GOP Assemblyman Greg Aghazarian, R-Stockton.

Houston says he held off making a move until Pombo decided whether or not to seek re-election.

But Roll Call, a Washington, D.C. paper, reported earlier this week that Pombo was in job talks with Oregon-based PAC/West Communications, a public relations firm whose client list ranges from labor unions to Safari Club International to health care, timber and oil interests.

Pombo couldn’t be reached for comment.

Meanwhile, his former chief of staff, Steve Ding has been hired to open a Sacramento office for PAC/West.